| Mosquitoes | Mosquitoes | Mosquitoes are pests because they annoy and bite humans and animals. Also, they may transmit or vector organisms that cause diseases such as malaria and encephalitis. Mosquitoes go through four developmental lifestages - egg, larva, pupa and adult. The adult female mosquito lays eggs in aquatic or very damp environments typically in the spring or summer. The eggs hatch and the larvae, also called wigglers, develop in the water and are filter feeders. The pupal lifestage of the mosquito is also aquatic. Mosquitoes can develop from egg to adult in as little as seven days depending on the species and temperature. Human malaria does not naturally occur in Washington. However, outbreaks of mosquito-transmitted encephalitis do occur from time to time. In 2002, West Nile Virus (a type of mosquito-transmitted encephalitis) was found in Washington. West Nile Virus can impact the health of humans, many bird species, horses, and a variety of other animals. West Nile Virus is primarily a virus of birds and is transmitted from infected birds by mosquitoes. Sometimes other animals and people are incidental hosts and obtain the virus from infected mosquitoes. Mosquitoes need water to develop and are therefore always located near water. Focusing on the presence of water and water management is crucial in mosquito control programs. For a more detailed discussion on mosquito control, see WSU PLS 121, Pest Management for Prevention and Control of Mosquitoes with Special Attention to West Nile Virus. |
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